End in sight for Petersfield flooding problem

Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The perennial flooding that has plagued residents of Petersfield, Westmoreland, and its neighbouring communities for decades, is expected to be a thing of the past following recent dredging work in the affected areas.

Residents say the problem stemmed from the overflowing of the nearby river, which was in need of corrective work.

"Irrigation and drainage work was done on five miles of the main water source from Shrewsberry to Halford, and this, we believe, will result in a significant drop in the flooding problem here," Kenneth 'Tribe' Singh, a leading resident, told Western Focus.

According to Singh, for decades, communities in the sugar belt, including the Carawina, Short Cut, Common, and Brighin River Bridge areas, have been experiencing serious flooding during the heavy rains, causing residents to evacuate their homes, with sections of the neighbourhood remaining under water for days.

NOT COSTLY

According to Member of Parliament Roger Clarke, the project was not a costly venture.

"Irrigation equipment did not come at a cost. We only spent maybe about $70,000 on gasolene, but I am relieved that this could be done because the people were being inconvenienced each time there were heavy rains."

Conroy Hutchinson, a farmer and resident of one of the affected communities, welcomed the efforts of his political representative and his team.

"While no great amount of rain has fallen to test the impact, at least an effort is being made, and I am really happy," he said.

"As soon as we hear rain, we become afraid because houses get damaged and people lose their belongings and we know that we have to prepare to leave, so this is a good change."

School attendance is usually affected, with students forced to remain at home because community roadways are normally impassable.